Emergency generators deployed in Fort Nelson as wildfires damage power lines

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BC Hydro confirms energy infrastructure in the Fort Nelson region has been damaged in the ongoing wildfires (file)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – BC Hydro published an update for Fort Nelson customers on Facebook on May 16th, confirming significant damage to infrastructure in the region and reduced services.

Emergency generators are being transported to the community for critical services in case of outages, and the company is planning to repair a damaged transmission line in the region.

The transmission line is one of two responsible for providing energy to Fort Nelson and has been damaged by several wildfires in the surrounding areas.

BC Hydro explained that the community of Fort Nelson continues to receive power but that various wildfires across the region have damaged significant infrastructure.

The company has disconnected power to 100 customers along Highway 97 as requested by BC Wildfire Service and will restore power to these customers once the infrastructure damaged by wildfires in the region can be fixed.

BC Hydro has also shut down a gas processing plant in the region, and while it continues to operate, no new gas is entering the facility.

The utility confirmed the plant will resume regular operations when conditions improve and is confident the facility has enough fuel to provide power to the community for the time being.